{
  "id": 18037385,
  "title": "FG to ban heavy vehicles on First Niger Bridge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/fg-to-ban-heavy-vehicles-on-first-niger-bridge",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T23:38:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/fg-to-ban-heavy-vehicles-on-first-niger-bridge/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Federal Government is contemplating the diversion of heavy-duty vehicles and trucks to the Second Niger Bridge as a temporary solution to the persistent gridlocks plaguing the First Niger Bridge. Anambra State Federal Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, revealed this in an interview, stating that a barrier might be installed at both ends of the bridge in the near future to prevent heavy-duty trucks from using the congested route.\n\nRecent observations at the First Niger Bridge have indicated that the gridlock, which has been ongoing since its reopening on October 15, 2026, continues to plague the bridge connecting Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State. The bridge was initially closed on September 7, 2026, after the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, identified severe structural vandalism, including missing bolts, cut steel components, and damaged expansion-jointed steelwork. Following its reopening, new road demarcations and a median were added, reducing the lanes on the bridge and increasing the likelihood of gridlock.\n\nMotorists and commuters have complained about broken-down trailers and heavy-duty trucks getting trapped in the newly-demarcated lanes, causing significant traffic disruptions. Gridlock is exacerbated when a heavy-duty truck breaks down, leaving other vehicles no option but to remain in one direction. Emenike urged drivers to ensure broken-down vehicles are parked in a manner that does not obstruct other road users. He emphasized the need for motorists to take responsibility for preventing gridlock.\n\nThe ministry is exploring various measures to ease traffic, particularly as the Yuletide season approaches. Emenike stressed that the gridlock can be prevented if motorists act responsibly. The ministry plans to provide towing vans at both ends of the bridge for the easy removal of broken-down vehicles. However, as of now, this has not been implemented. Despite the demarcations, some drivers have criticized the new design, asserting that it makes it difficult for vehicles to navigate when one breaks down, leading to severe traffic standstills.",
  "summary": "The Federal Government is considering diverting heavy-duty vehicles to the Second Niger Bridge to ease persistent gridlocks on the First Niger Bridge. Read More: https://punchng.com/fg-to-ban-heavy-vehicles-on-first-niger-bridge/",
  "key_points": [
    "Federal Government may divert heavy vehicles to Second Niger Bridge.",
    "Gridlock persists at First Niger Bridge since reopening on 15 October 2026.",
    "Barrier may be installed at both ends of First Niger Bridge."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Diverting heavy-duty trucks to the Second Niger Bridge prioritizes structural preservation and traffic flow over unrestricted access to a route currently crippled by narrow lanes and frequent vehicle breakdowns.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}